Statement by Klondike MLA Sandy Silver on Peel Decision

Sandy Silver today issued the following statement on the Yukon Court of Appeals Peel decision:

“I am pleased to see the Yukon Court of Appeals has rejected the Yukon Party’s attempt to overturn the lower court’s December ruling.

The court of appeal has been clear, Yukon failed to honour the letter and spirit of its treaty obligations, and the Yukon Party government should publicly acknowledge its responsibility for this failure.

This government’s habit of negotiating in bad faith has eroded trust with first nation governments and created unnecessary uncertainty in our economy. The way the government approached Bill S-6 demonstrates the same my-way or the highway mindset that guides the government’s actions.

Sadly, the Yukon Party’s antiquated approach to First Nation relationships has become the text book example of why governments need to respect consultation processes, democracy, and First Nation treaty rights.

It is only through partnership and open consultation that our territory will once again begin to move forward.”